craigdailypress.com

Gov. Bill Ritter issued a statement Wednesday honoring the 15 Fort Carson soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan last month, the deadliest month of combat for the post since the Vietnam War.

“This tragic loss of life is the ultimate reminder of the sacrifice that members of the military make to defend our freedoms,” Ritter said in a news release. “As a community and a country, it’s vital that we honor their lives, their bravery and their heroism. It is with a heavy heart that I ask all Coloradans to join with me to keep those who laid down their lives, as well as the loved ones they leave behind, in our thoughts and prayers.”

Those remembered are:

4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division:

• Staff Sgt. Justin T. Gallegos, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

• Staff Sgt. Vernon W. Martin, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

• Sgt. Joshua M. Hardt, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

• Sgt. Joshua J. Kirk, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

• Sgt. Michael P. Scusa, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

• Spc. Christopher T. Griffin, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

• Spc. Stephan L. Mace, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

• Pfc. Kevin C. Thomson, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

4th Engineer Battalion:

• Staff Sgt. Glen H. Stivison Jr., 576th Mobility Augmentation Company.

• Spc. Kevin O. Hill, 569th  Mobility Augmentation Company.

• Spc. Jesus O. Flores, 569th Mobility Augmentation Company.

• Spc. Daniel C. Lawson, 569th Mobility Augmentation Company.

• Spc. Eric N. Lembke, 569th Mobility Augmentation Company.

• Spc. Kimble A. Han, 569th Mobility Augmentation Company.

• Pfc. Brandon M. Styer, 569th Mobility Augmentation Company.